Publication Date: April 6, 2026, 07:21h.
Updated on: April 5, 2026, 07:45h.
Occasionally, an earnest visitor strolls into Las Vegas, fully believing that the Venetian’s gondolas are genuinely rowed by people. A prime example is TripAdvisor member USHis2ry Teacher from Springdale, Arkansas, who remarked: “It’s incredibly romantic to be serenaded by an authentic Italian from Rome while he skillfully paddles you along the charming, human-made waterways.”
Charming, much like his unique take on “USHis2ry.”
In reality, that slender gondolier isn’t preparing for Olympic rowing competitions. Instead, your historic romance vessel is equipped with a discreet electric motor.
Less Oar, More Fun
The fiberglass gondolas are crafted by Treadway Industries in Leesburg, Florida, designed to mimic the authentic experience while lacking the traditional rowing functionality. The motors are cleverly concealed, enhancing the overall theme-park magic. Additionally, the oars are simply prop replicas from a Renaissance fair.
By the way, did you also think that the “lazy river” in “Pirates of the Caribbean” truly transported you? You might want to take a moment to reflect, USHis2ry Teacher.
With an average depth of just two feet, the Venetian’s “canals” aren’t suitable for genuine rowing. But even if they were, maneuvering 700-800 lbs. of tourists in a 2,500-lb. vessel for hours would likely lead to an injury for the gondolier.
To be exact, those tourists might weigh between 700-1,000 lbs., but we were being nice. Regardless, by day’s end, the gondola would likely be just as slow as the ticket queue.
The use of motors ensures a seamless, safe experience, and — most crucially — profitability, since human rowers can be unpredictable and unlikely to manage both intensive rowing and melodic singing for the required 10-13 minutes.
What the gondolier truly governs is the speed and direction of the boat using throttle and rudder controls that are out of sight. Their impressive singing skills, combined with their knack for avoiding collisions in an electric boat, are their most significant attributes.
Interestingly, they belt out those songs at high volume to mask the subtle hum of the motor.
Extra Myth to Consider
Unless you’re willing to pay twice the standard fare, your romantic gondola ride might include two unfamiliar companions, potentially engaged in a dining debate.
The current fee for a gondola experience sits at $39 per person for a shared four-seater, either inside (at the Grand Canal Shoppes) or outside (along the Las Vegas Strip). If you desire a private experience fit for royalty, the cost jumps to $156.
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